Summer is here, and for many, that means spending more time at the beach, pool, or lake. Swimming is an enjoyable summer activity, but it can sometimes lead to a common yet uncomfortable condition known as swimmer’s ear. If you or your child experiences ear pain after swimming, it’s important to understand what swimmer’s ear is, how to treat it, and how to prevent it from occurring again.
For same-day swimmer’s ear treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Cedar Grove. Our medical team is available to examine your symptoms, diagnose your condition, and plan the best treatment with no appointment required. Just walk-in today!
Understanding Swimmer’s Ear
Swimmer’s ear, also known as otitis externa, is an infection of the outer ear canal. This condition occurs when water remains trapped in the ear, creating a moist environment that allows the growth of bacteria and fungi. While it’s most commonly associated with swimming, swimmer’s ear can also result from other activities that expose the ear to water, like showering. Depending on the severity of infection, the symptoms of swimmer’s ear can range from mild to severe.
Common symptoms associated with swimmer’s ear include:
- Itching in the ear canal
- Redness inside the ear
- Discomfort that worsens when pulling on the outer ear
- Drainage of clear, odorless fluid
- Swelling in the ear canal
- Decreased or muffled hearing
If you experience any of these symptoms after swimming, it’s essential to take action promptly to prevent the infection from worsening.
How To Treat Swimmer’s Ear
When it comes to swimmer’s ear, prompt treatment is essential to alleviate symptoms and prevent the conditioning from worsening. At home, be sure to keep the ear dry and avoid swimming or any activity that could get more water trapped in the ear canal. Use a shower cap when bathing to protect the ear. Some over-the-counter ear drops can be helpful in drying out the ear canal and creating an environment less favorable for bacterial and fungal growth. To manage any discomfort, you can use over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce pain and inflammation. Further soothing can be found when applying a warm compress to the affected ear.
If home remedies do not alleviate the symptoms within a few days, or if your symptoms are severe, it’s crucial to seek medical attention. A healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotic ear drops to treat bacterial infections. Your provider may also need to clear the ear canal to remove any debris, discharge, or earwax that can harbor bacteria or fungi.
How To Prevent Swimmer’s Ear
Preventing swimmer’s ear is much easier than treating it! In order to prevent swimmer’s ear recurrence, be sure to follow these effective methods:
- Use preventive ear drops after swimming or bathing
- Dry ears thoroughly after exposure to water
- Maintain good ear hygiene and avoid inserting objects like cotton swabs
- Avoid swimming in contaminated water
Get Swimmer’s Ear Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Cedar Grove
Swimmer’s ear can be a painful and inconvenient condition, but with proper care and preventive measures, you can enjoy your time in the water without worry. If you suspect that you have swimmer’s ear, come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Cedar Grove. Our team of board-certified medical professionals is available seven days a week to provide quality care to all patients in the Cedar Grove, NJ area and surrounding communities. Just walk-in today! We accept most health insurance plans and offer low-cost options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about swimmer’s ear treatment, or other seasonal care services we provide, please contact us directly at (973) 239-2300
